Venue: Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), Gujarat, India
Duration: March 13–18, 2026
The International Teacher’s Immersion Programme held at Pandit Deendayal Energy University was designed to enhance professional competencies of educators through exposure to innovative pedagogical practices, emerging technologies, and global educational perspectives. The programme provided a platform for collaborative learning, reflection, and professional exchange among educators.
In the evening, participants departed in batches, with flights scheduled between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM to Delhi via IndiGo. The onward journey continued to Kathmandu early in the morning at 6:00 AM on March 19, followed by the final leg to Paro, where we landed at 10:33 AM. From Paro, we proceeded to Thimphu. On the following day, a debriefing session was conducted at the Department of School Education Bhutan, after which participants departed to their respective residences.
Date: March 18, 2026
Venue: Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), Gujarat
Day 5 marked the final phase of the International Teacher’s Immersion Programme at PDEU. The day was both reflective and celebratory, focusing on the role of sports in education, the importance of school counselling, and the consolidation of learning through group presentations. The valedictory ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the overall experiences and professional growth achieved throughout the programme.
Date: March 17, 2026
Venue: Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU), Gujarat
Day 4 of the International Teacher’s Immersion Programme at PDEU was intellectually stimulating and professionally enriching. The sessions focused on contemporary educational themes including the integration of artificial intelligence in education, enhancement of pedagogical practices through critical thinking frameworks, promotion of teacher wellbeing, and the importance of sustainability in schools. The day provided a holistic perspective on evolving teaching practices in the 21st century.
Professional Sessions and Campus Visit at Pandit Deendayal Energy University
The third day of the academic program, held on 16 March 2026 (Monday), was conducted at the campus of Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The day was structured around a series of academic and professional expert lectures, followed by campus visits and interactions designed to expose participants to innovative educational practices, emerging technologies, and institutional management strategies.
Visit to Swaminarayan Akshardham, Adalaj Stepwell, and Dandi Kutir Museum
On the second day of the academic visit, our group explored three historically and culturally significant sites in the state of Gujarat: Swaminarayan Akshardham, Adalaj Stepwell, and Dandi Kutir. The visits provided an opportunity to understand India’s architectural heritage, historical narratives, and the role of cultural institutions in education.
The second day of the International Faculty Development Programme (Immersion Programme) at Pandit Deendayal Energy University provided participants with an in-depth orientation to the programme structure and exposed them to India’s educational practices and cultural heritage. The activities on this day were designed to familiarize participants with the university environment, introduce institutional facilities, and provide opportunities to observe teaching practices in local schools. Additionally, the programme integrated cultural learning through exposure to traditional crafts and local markets.
The day began with breakfast at the High Rise Hostel from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. After breakfast, participants arrived at the PDEU campus at 8:30 a.m. and proceeded to the registration desk in C Block. The registration process ensured that all participants were formally enrolled in the programme and provided with necessary materials.
Participants were warmly welcomed by the university team through a traditional Tika blessing, a gesture symbolizing goodwill and respect in Indian culture. Each participant was also presented with a welcome bag containing programme materials and essential information.
The Orientation Session, held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Board Room (First Floor, C Block), provided an overview of the International Faculty Development Programme. The session covered several key aspects including:
Objectives and structure of the Faculty Development Programme
Important safety measures to be followed during the programme
Introduction to the campus layout and campus map
Identification of key university officials and coordinators
Overview of IT infrastructure and digital facilities available for participants
Information about library resources and academic support services
This orientation was essential in helping participants understand the academic environment and operational framework of the university.
From 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., participants engaged in School Visit 1 along with School Educator Session 4, which focused on “Engaging with India’s Rich Cultural and Educational Values, Mental and Physical Well-being, and Value-Based Education.”
The session provided practical exposure to classroom teaching practices within the local school system in Ahmedabad. Participants observed classroom interactions, teaching methodologies, and student engagement strategies used by Indian educators.
Key learning aspects included:
Integration of cultural values within classroom teaching
Emphasis on holistic development, including both mental and physical well-being of students
Use of value-based education to nurture ethical awareness and social responsibility
Opportunities for interaction with teachers and students, enabling participants to exchange ideas and perspectives on educational practices
This experience allowed participants to compare pedagogical strategies and reflect on how cultural contexts influence teaching and learning approaches.
A lunch break was scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., allowing participants time for rest, informal discussions, and networking with fellow educators. Such interactions contributed to professional exchange among participants from diverse academic backgrounds.
In the afternoon, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., participants visited Ahmedabad Haat, located near Vastrapur Lake in Ahmedabad.
Ahmedabad Haat serves as a vibrant marketplace dedicated to promoting rural artisans, handloom weavers, and handicraft makers. The venue showcases the rich heritage and traditional craftsmanship of the state of Gujarat.
During the visit, participants observed a wide variety of:
Handloom textiles
Traditional handicrafts
Folk art and decorative items
Cultural products representing regional identity
This visit offered an opportunity to appreciate the cultural and artistic traditions of India, highlighting the importance of preserving indigenous craftsmanship and supporting rural artisans.
The second day of the immersion programme was highly informative and enriching. The orientation session provided essential guidance about the programme and university facilities, ensuring that participants were well-prepared for the upcoming academic activities.
The school visit offered valuable insights into Indian classroom practices, particularly the emphasis on cultural values, student well-being, and holistic education. Observing these practices encouraged participants to reflect on their own teaching methods and consider ways to integrate similar value-based approaches in their educational contexts.
Furthermore, the visit to Ahmedabad Haat deepened participants’ understanding of the cultural heritage of Gujarat, demonstrating how education and culture are closely interconnected in shaping societal values.
Overall, Day 2 of the International Faculty Development Programme successfully combined academic orientation, professional learning, and cultural exposure. The experiences gained through institutional interactions, classroom observations, and cultural visits contributed significantly to broadening participants’ perspectives on education and cultural diversity.
The day concluded with participants gaining a deeper appreciation of the educational philosophy and cultural richness of India, setting a strong foundation for the subsequent sessions of the immersion programme.
Date: 13 March 2026
Day 1 of my immersion program began with an international journey from Paro International Airport in Paro, Bhutan. I travelled on Bhutan Airlines from Paro to Delhi via Kathmandu. Although the trip was planned carefully, the journey experienced unexpected delays which made the first day both challenging and memorable.
